The J-Pop Thread

I live in Korea, and Perfume toured some Asian countries last year. It remains to be seen how much they put into global promotions - they're expected (more like it's semi-confirmed) to announce a 2nd global tour this year that will see them visit the US and Europe. They're also launching a global version of their official fan club with English content.

As for songs, their label guy said they wouldn't 'westernize' the Perfume sound because that would mean losing their appeal, but yeah the lyrics might be done in English for some songs. They're not great at English but it doesn't really matter with their style.

Irresistible new Sakanaction single http://youtu.be/iVstp5Ozw2o

Suzuki Aya - Neguse http://youtu.be/zBw4YqgorLs
love this song, reminds me of Sally Shapiro, used in end credits of currently airing series Tamako Market

Anyone excited about new Kyary? It's better than the last one at least...kinda Shibuya-kei meets Stock/Aiken/Waterman.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=v=9Y6H-YjsE9Q

"fashion monster" >>>>>>

but i like the new one too

http://i.imgur.com/mbJZFnT.jpg

@Durf
AKB48's Minegishi Minami caught in fling w/male dancer: demoted to understudy, forced to shave head, apologize http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/entame/92205/

Lucky she was only humiliated in an ugly and disgusting way - she could've been fired like several other members have been!!

Nice follow-up to last week's SKE48 manager announcing he would perform seppuku if caught in an indecent relationship with a member.

In happier idol-related news this is an immense track

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JnRFB3NPvs

that's great
but makes me feel they should really allow japan to enter eurovision

ok, I was totally sold even before that guitar solo kicked in!

xp I've been thinking that a lot of times.

The album with the same title as the song all sounds like this, safe investment.

I'm actually liking that Sakanaction single more than the Mt. Fuji one from last year. There's a little more going on in it, to my ears.

Perfume - I'm Not Okay http://lovetheperfume.tumblr.com/post/44058090587/im-not-okay-perfume

speaking of Perfume, someone uploaded an earlier "demo" version of Polyrhythm to Youtube the other day, interesting to compare to the final version, for one thing its missing the awesome polyrhythm section https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jVZjFdkDQ0

oops didn't mean to embed
2 separate Capsule comp albums out in a weeks time, tracklistings here http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/12/capsule-to-simultaneously-release-2-best-of-albums/

http://1topi.jp/system/curations/saved_quote_image_111659.png

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiX22vnR-SU

J-pop as ___________

yesssss

MomoClo album has a track written by the guy from OK Go, lol
Kyary has a new video, song not v good tho http://youtu.be/teMdjJ3w9iM

It's about ninjas tho

new Spitz single

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcAaL7lworY

Perfume have shows in July in Cologne, Paris & London. Wish i could go :/
2nd MomoClo album came out this week and sold 102,000 first day - by comparison their previous album sold 9,000 first day. their time has really come, huh!

In London? Shiiiiiiiiiiit.

*checks bank account*

Empty your bank account if you have to.

Secretly I'm wishing it was a Babymetal UK date announcement. But no, I'd love love love to see Perfume live. Sorely tempted.

gogogo! also lol Babymetal, there's a MomoClo metal covers album out there haha http://youtu.be/xDWBMDkrvjY

Definitely going to try and get tickets for the London one, 9am Monday on sale. I have no idea if they will sell out really quickly or not.

Apparently presales available here: http://www.livenation.co.uk/event/410918/perfume-tickets?c=api-000001&camefrom=CFC_UK_BUYAT_73074

No, doesn’t work.

My girlfriend got up early for the presale this morning so I guess I'm going to the London show!

just got back from the kyary pamyu pamyu nyc show. it was basically the most fun ever.

yay just got tickets to the perfume london show before they sold out

I kept trying from about 5 past nine and it kept telling me there were none available.

(So, if anyone has any spares, get in touch)

I am going to the London show too! From the timing I'm pretty sure they're playing Japan Expo in Paris the next day, a really big event that Kyary played last year.

The Momoclo album is incredible.

Yeah I've been pumping the MomoClo album myself. They've got the top 2 on the upcoming Oricon chart, #2 is a re-entry of their first, equally good album - Battle&Romance.

Might be able to see Perfume again this summer - they're coming back to Korea. If I can I will, happy the world is getting to see them as well.

Sold out already? Jesus.

Gutting, maybe they will do two nights?

…Naturally there are a few on eBay already.

the London Perfume show has been moved to the larger Shepherds Bush Empire, additional tickets go on sale 9am on Friday (26th).
more info here http://www.perfume-web.jp/cam/WORLD/

also really enjoying the MomoClo album especially the first half. Otome Sensou is such a combo breaker though :(

That’s good news. Anyone here going? FAP?

Some chatter on EMF about Wakusei Abnormal, which does bear a definite resemblance to Old Shiina Ringo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhaZVsM7WTs

Surprisingly the whole mini-album from this year is on Spotify. Okay maybe this really is j-rock more than j-pop. Finding the right thread for Japanese music always seems like too much work.

yikes, that really is in thrall to early Shiina

I have to say, I wish I could go to any of these Perfume shows. Shepherd's Bush isn't Tokyo Dome, but... more of the Dome show is up on youtube now, including the instrumental Capsule opening:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNRhJq4d9D4

YouTube Japan are streaming a series of live concerts and "original music programs" from April 27th to May 6th.
smdh at all the Golden Bomber, intrigued by the idea of Hyadain playing live though.

April 27th – Golden Bomber / SEKAI NO OWARI
April 28th – Golden Bomber / AKB48
April 29th – Golden Bomber / Kyrary Pamyu Pamyu / AAA
April 30th – Golden Bomber / BOOM BOOM SATELLITES
May 1st – Golden Bomber / NIGHTMARE
May 2nd – Golden Bomber / SEKAI NO OWARI
May 3rd – Golden Bomber / Shounan no Kaze / Koda Kumi / Yakushimaru Etsuko
May 4th – Golden Bomber / livetune / flumpool
May 5th – Golden Bomber / Hyadain / Hamasaki Ayumi / VERBAL
May 6th – Golden Bomber / Denki Groove

oh there's this with clickable links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddmYVqScv6g

in the comments they say "Please be aware that all of these events are not necessarily live streamed, but can be archived concerts from before or music curator show showcasing each artists' favorite music." hmmmmmmm

Managed to get Perfume tickets this time around.

Oh yeah! This is possibly going to be the weirdest gig I've ever been to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhbq65WcH3o

I've been spamming the repeat button on this subtly catchy new SCANDAL single http://jpopsuki.tv/video/SCANDAL---Awanai-Tsumori-no%2C-Genki-de-ne/3f8e64544cc78af7457067c8f33bf005

Simple enough pop rock with a touch of elegance.